HPV Follow-up Post

A few weeks ago,I posted Govna Perry's questionable "order" to mandate the HPV vaccine for all schoolgirls. As always, we worked through our thoughts and ideas
in the comment section.

(Here are a few more feature articles on the HPV vaccine controversy and cervical cancer)


As you are probably aware, other states are now jumping on the bandwagon. I think I had better stop denying the fact that I am living in CT now and not NJ. Seems I missed an opportunity to attend a public hearing this past Wednesday at the CT Legislative Office Building regarding the bill which will make the HPV vaccine mandatory for girls entering sixth grade here in CT.

I think I'll put myself in touch with
this CT blogger who seems to share the same concerns I have regarding the HPV vaccine. She has several posts on the subject.

(Time to face the hard cold reality that I am living in the same state as (I) Lie Joe now.)

Since my last post, I have come across another interesting "website" (?), or maybe I should say "advertisement."

"The big news in the war on cervical cancer is the new vaccine recently approved to prevent the disease. But another major change that will affect millions of women is also under way, though more slowly and quietly:."

I came across this advertisement for the HPV Test (not vaccine) while over at Mydd.com -- check it out -- very intersting



According to this article from the NYTimes:

"The test was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999, and its use has grown steadily, partly spurred by advertising by the test’s manufacturer, Digene. The company, based in Gaithersburg, Md., says about seven million Americans are getting the test each year, which is one-fifth of those it believes would be eligible. With Merck now calling attention to the role of HPV in its advertisements for its new vaccine, Digene executives expect interest in their test to grow."

There are two sections - over 30 and under 30 and many other FAQS and news items at this site. Example:

"The reason is that HPV infection is very common in young women, but usually goes away on its own or is suppressed by the body before it causes any problems."

"Both the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) agree that routine testing for HPV at this age is not necessary or useful. The reason is that HPV infection is very common in young women, but usually goes away on its own or is suppressed by the body before it causes any problems."

Here is the link to Digene -- the company that developed the HPV Test. I'm still trying to figure out their role in all of this. On one hand it appears that they just wish to replace the PAP test, yet on the other it appears that they will benefit greatly with Merck, since their HPV vaccine does not protect against all of the HPV virus strains, women will still need to be tested.


Even though I have decided not to vaccinate my kids, I did speak to my Gyno yesterday regarding their viewpoint. She read me the stats that argue for giving the vaccine. She said from a practitioner's standpoint, her office is recommending it. She said as a mother, she wouldn't be rushing her 10 year old into the pediatrician to get this vaccine. Interesting.....

The American College of Pediatricians opposes this legislation but I know of several pediatricians who are urging their patients to get the vaccine. One in particular is a young, pro-active doctor who feels that prevention is the best medicine. In addition to the usual pediatric check-up, this group discusses issues such as driving safety, sex, drug, and alcohol with their teen age patients --in private. I commend them for their efforts because there are a lot of parents out there who still don't stress the importance of educating their children in these matters.

I am sorry if I seem to be all over the place here, but there seems to be a lot of info and still too many questions. I still have a lot of reading to do.

Here are some other interesting items to add to my suspicions about the HPV Vaccine and vaccines in general:

Seaweed extract blocks HPV cervical cancer virus, scientists discover



Indigobusiness put up an interesting post: Dangers from vaccines Here is the full story:
Why You Should Avoid Taking Vaccines

Time Magazine's story about Vaccines


And this one just put me over the edge:

"Polio has not been eradicated by vaccination, it is lurking behind a redefinition and new diagnostic names like viral or aseptic meningitis.......According to one of the 1997 issues of the MMWR, there are some 30,000 to 50,000 cases of viral meningitis per year in the United States alone. That's where all those 30,000 - 50,000 cases of polio disappeared after the introduction of mass vaccination"--- Viera Scheibner
Here are Viera's thoughts